We, the undersigned workers at Caltrans, call on Caltrans leadership to respect our rights as workers, and create a telework policy that reflects equity, a commitment to combating climate change, fiscal responsibility, and operational reality. We demand Caltrans leadership live up to the department’s own core values:
- Stop making unilateral decisions that impact working conditions, and instead engage in meaningful collaboration with State employee unions, honor our union contracts and State law.
- Practice equity by allowing exemptions to the four-day in-office mandate for employees whose duties do not require physical in-office presence, who live 50 miles (or over) from their designated worksite, and who face a severe commute time burden (regardless of distance from their designated worksite) which bear long, costly commutes and/or limited public transit options.
- Lead with innovation and protect our climate future by reducing unnecessary vehicle miles traveled and facility emissions, offering flexible telework as a proven climate solution. Support telework flexibility where the nature of work allows!
- Act with integrity and ensure no policy is implemented without a clear understanding of its costs and total impacts on the State budget.
- Put people first, including us! Invest in your current and future workforce by expanding access to trainings and building a workplace culture that reflects the communities we serve and sustains the mission of a thriving and connected California.
We take pride in serving the people of California and expect Caltrans leadership to take stewardship seriously by spending taxpayer dollars wisely to ensure the long-term success of our department. What is good for State workers is good for everyone!